Greenwich is set to bolster its cultural scene with a £2.5 million investment, Royal Borough of Greenwich's Cabinet Member Equality, Culture and Communities, Councillor Sandra Bauer, announced at a recent cabinet meeting. The funding is designed to support artists, heritage venues and community-led projects, and aims to strengthen the cultural landscape and drive economic growth within the borough.
The investment will be channelled into supporting artists, heritage venues, and community-led projects. Councillor Bauer emphasised the broader economic impact of culture, stating that it is not just about art and performance but also about jobs, tourism, and community vibrancy.
According to Councillor Bauer, every pound invested in culture generates multiple pounds in return, stimulating increased footfall, supporting thriving high streets, and boosting local businesses. She also highlighted the importance of free cultural events for families, providing entertainment and respite. The success of the cultural investment will be measured in terms of economic growth, job creation, and tourism, with Councillor Bauer noting that the investment is designed to strengthen the cultural landscape and drive economic growth
and that [e]very pound we invest in culture brings back multiple pounds through increased footfall, thriving high streets, and bustling restaurants. It attracts visitors, fills venues, and supports local businesses.
The investment is part of the 'Greenwich: Getting Things Done' programme, which focuses on eight priority areas, including town centres and culture. Other priorities include fly-tipping, community safety, street and road resurfacing, community hubs, a primary specialist Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, and a multi-use SEND facility for young adults. The funding will come from one-off sources, including grants, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and Section 106 contributions from developers, according to the Use of grants and one-off financial capacity report.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, noted the council is facing serious budget pressures, with a £45 million budget gap expected next year. He said that the £60 million investment will help to address key issues and benefit residents for years to come. Councillor Hyland stated that the 'Greenwich: Getting Things Done' programme is designed to not become a call on councils' revenue budgets, which are under pressure.
The cabinet agreed to allocate specific resources to targeted service-based interventions and investments, as detailed in the Use of grants and one-off financial capacity report.
The meeting information also mentions the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund (GNGF), which allows residents to have a direct say in how developer contributions are spent in their neighbourhoods. Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, stated, Our core belief is that people who live here know best what their neighbourhoods need... We are giving residents the direct say over how it is spent.
